Projectbook HWBP 2022

Every year the High-Water Protection Program (HWBP) publishes the project book describing the dyke reinforcement projects for the next 5 years. Besides an overview of the upcoming projects, the project book also offers an inspiring reflection on the field. Flux Landscape Architecture has been asked to create the project book of the HWBP for three years and to shed its light on the dikes of The Netherlands. Each year Flux reflects on the dike reinforcements in relation to a different topic. The 2022 project book focuses on the biodiversity of dikes. Although nature along the rivers has received a significant boost in recent decades, biodiversity in our country as a whole continues to decline and ecosystems are being damaged. This raises the question of how the world of water safety, with additional challenges due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events, can become more inclusive of nature and contribute to increasing biodiversity. In the project book 2022, Flux reflects on the theme of dikes and biodiversity through essays, interviews and design research.

The importance of biodiversity

In recent years, the importance of biodiversity has come under increasing scrutiny. The loss of biodiversity is now seen as a huge problem, but it certainly will be for all generations to come. Various parties claim that the effects of the collapse of biodiversity will be greater than all other crises. However, the concept of biodiversity remains abstract.  In the HWBP book Flux answers the questions in words and images: what exactly is biodiversity, why it is so important and what is the state of biodiversity in the Dutch delta?

Changing times

Man's view of nature and ecology in Europe has changed throughout history. Depending on prevailing religions, dominant thinkers, or special discoveries, man has continually adjusted his relationship with nature since his existence. In the second part of the HWBP book, Flux examines how the image of nature has been able to evolve from a sacred glorification of nature in pre-history to a contemporary technocratic approach. In addition, using examples of the nature inclusive city and nature inclusive agriculture, Flux provides a look through to the future and provides insight into how a new attitude towards nature can lead to a boost for biodiversity.

Nature inclusive flood protection

Building on the examples of the nature inclusive city and nature inclusive agriculture, Flux has developed a vision for inspiration that outlines a dream image of nature inclusive flood protection. In developing this vision, biodiversity will be given priority. In this way we are trying to sketch a picture of how high-water protection can best can contribute optimally to strengthening biodiversity in the Dutch delta. In doing so we look at three levels of scale: The Dutch delta, using the dikes as a robust network for nature in The Netherlands. The river and coastal landscape, increasing diversity in the foreland and hinterland of the dikes to strengthen biodiversity and the role of the dike and its surroundings, concrete measures on the dike to increase biodiversity.

The Netherlands, commissioned by the Flood Protection Program (HWBP), i.c.w. Koehorst in 't Veld, water safety, dike reinforcement, research, biodiversity, Flux landscape architecture, 2022